Phototherapy in Neonatal Care
Phototherapy in Neonatal Care
Phototherapy lamps are specialized medical devices used to treat hyperbilirubinemia (jaundice) in newborns through the emission of specific wavelengths of light that break down bilirubin in the skin.
Key Features
- Specific blue light wavelength (450-475 nm)
- Adjustable intensity settings
- Timer and usage tracking
- Integrated irradiance meters
- Flexible positioning systems
Therapeutic Benefits
- Non-invasive treatment method
- Rapid bilirubin reduction
- Minimal side effects
- Continuous treatment capability
- Cost-effective intervention
Types of Phototherapy Systems
Conventional Phototherapy
- Fluorescent tubes
- Halogen spotlights
- Standard blue light systems
- Coverage area: 60x30 cm
LED Phototherapy
- High-intensity LED arrays
- Focused light delivery
- Longer operational life
- Lower heat generation
- Energy efficient
Fiber-optic Systems
- Biliblanket technology
- Direct skin contact
- Minimal heat transfer
- Allows parent-infant bonding
Operation & Usage Protocols
Setup Requirements
- Distance from infant: 30-40 cm
- Light intensity verification
- Eye protection placement
- Temperature monitoring setup
- Positioning optimization
Treatment Parameters
- Light Intensity: 8-10 µW/cm²/nm (standard) or 30-35 µW/cm²/nm (intensive)
- Duration: Continuous or intermittent based on bilirubin levels
- Coverage: Maximum skin exposure
- Temperature: Maintain neutral thermal environment
Maintenance Procedures
- Daily irradiance checks
- Bulb hour tracking
- Surface cleaning protocols
- Filter inspection
Clinical Management
Indications
- Total serum bilirubin approaching exchange levels
- Prophylactic treatment in premature infants
- ABO/Rh incompatibility
- Pathological jaundice
- Failure of conventional treatment
Treatment Protocols
- Standard Therapy:
- Single surface phototherapy
- Bilirubin monitoring every 12-24 hours
- Hydration status monitoring
- Intensive Therapy:
- Double surface phototherapy
- Bilirubin monitoring every 4-6 hours
- Continuous temperature monitoring
Expected Outcomes
- Bilirubin reduction of 1-2 mg/dL within 4-6 hours
- Visual assessment of skin color changes
- Treatment duration estimation
- Follow-up monitoring requirements
Monitoring & Safety Considerations
Patient Monitoring
- Serum bilirubin levels
- Body temperature
- Hydration status
- Eye protection integrity
- Skin assessment
- Activity level
Safety Precautions
- Proper eye protection
- Genital coverage
- Temperature regulation
- Adequate hydration
- Position changes every 2-3 hours
Common Complications
- Dehydration
- Temperature instability
- Skin rashes
- Bronze baby syndrome
- Water loss
- Retinal damage (if eye protection fails)
Documentation Requirements
- Duration of therapy
- Bilirubin trends
- Equipment settings
- Position changes
- Complications or concerns
